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The Science behind Seaweed Skincare

Before you’ve tried it, seaweed skincare can sound just a little bit odd. When all you know of seaweed is that slimy stuff on the beach, it can seem ludicrous that it could do so much for your face!

However, there are tons of benefits to seaweed, and we’re not just saying that because we’re a little bit biased. It genuinely works. To prove it here’s our quick-fire guide to why seaweed is a no-brainer for skincare and what the benefits are.

You will never look at another piece of seaweed in the same way again!

So, how does seaweed skincare work?

It might be the squishy stuff on the beach but seaweed is absolutely packed with all sorts of nutrients and minerals that your skin is crying out for. In the past seaweed in skincare and seaweed baths were a traditional marine cure therapy indigenous to Ireland.

Seaweed naturally absorbs a lot of nourishment when it’s in the sea, which is where its endless minerals and vitamins come from. No other plant has such high concentrations of these beneficial ingredients.

At VOYA we steam the seaweed to release the really luxurious oils within the seaweed. With a seaweed bath, the oils float around in the water and as the heat has already opened your pores; all these beneficial, nourishing oils are easily absorbed into your skin.

Seaweed is incredibly moisturising because it can react with protein to form a gel that really knows how to penetrate the skin. That’s why VOYA products leave you feeling super moisturised. The essential fatty acids in seaweed also form part of the lipid layer in your skin to help maintain elasticity and stop your skin losing moisture.

It’s also super helpful as a stress reliever, believe it or not. Whether you head out for a seaweed facial or bath, or plan a DIY pampering session at home, incorporating seaweed can really help to reduce stress. In terms of skincare, while it’s beneficial in your everyday skincare, seaweed is also very useful for those who suffer from skin problems and conditions that are often difficult to keep under control. Seaweed has been used as an effective treatment for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rosacea and acne.

What are the benefits then?

We’ve already discussed how the abundant oils, vitamins and minerals naturally contained in seaweed help nourish your skin deeply, and the various ways seaweed helps keep your skin hydrated, but there are other benefits too.

In addition to the oils and minerals, seaweed also has natural anti-aging and anti-cellulite properties and will help to improve the suppleness of your skin. Seaweed is also an emollient with tissue renewal and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps give you baby-soft skin, but also has a positive effect on wrinkles.

It’s also a detoxifier – particularly when you apply it to the body. It draws excess fluid and waste products out of the skin, almost acting like a cleanser for dead skin cells or whatever impurities you might have acquired day-to-day.

The fact that it’s rich in iodine is also a plus, as it can help boost thyroid function, which ultimately helps rejuvenate the skin. Okay, we’ll stop now with the seaweed love-in!

Got any other tips? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know your natural skincare tips in the comments section below. For more tips on looking after your skin, follow us on Twitter @VOYABeauty or like us on Facebook today.